Marine anchor



May 14, 1968 H. E. M GUIRE 3,382,835

MARINE ANCHOR Filed Sept. 28, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

HAROLD E. MCGUIRE BY ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,382,835 MARINE ANCHOR Harold E. McGuire, 1752 Mills St., Sandusky, Ohio 44871 Filed Sept. 28, 1966, Ser. No. 582,709 Claims. Cl. 114-208) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A lightweight marine anchor having a pair of generally triangular centrally located ribbed primary flukes and smaller, generally triangular secondary flukes extending from the marginal portions of the same face of a perforated crown plate.

This invention concerns a marine anchor for mooring watercraft. More particularly it concerns an anchor having a crown plate, a pair of primary flukes, a plurality of smaller secondary flukes, and a shank to which a line is attached.

Since watercraft operate in waters having bottoms of varying density and composition, with varying types of topography and debris thereon, any anchor design for universal use is of necessity a compromise of functional elements which will cooperate to perform the anchoring function.

For safety and convenience, the pleasure, professional or militarywatercraft operator must have an anchor which: 1) will not drag; (2) will not bury itself; (3) will release easily when desired; (4) will not foul; (5) will clean easily; (6) is not extremely heavy in relation to its holding power; and which (7) is properly designed to contact the underwater surface at angles conductive to holding.

Prior art anchors have partially remedied some of the above problems by using an anchor composed basically of a stabilizing bar, a shank, and twin flukes. With this structure, however, fouling and burying of the anchor created serious problems since brute force or surface maneuvering of the watercraft cannot always break out the fouled or buried anchor. The absence of a winch on a pleasure craft, for example, can leave the boat owner with the prospect of abandoning his anchor if surface maneuvering proves futile.

Also, the general structure of the prior art lightweight anchoring devices required a stabilizing member extending laterally outwardly beyond the flukes. This construction as well as the positioning of the flukes thereon, increased the surface area of the anchor upon which underwater vegetation and debris may attach. Thus the chances of fouling the anchor or it not coming up clean are increased rather than decreased.

As to the ratio of anchor weight to holding weight the optimum acquired by the prior art devices is, in soft sand, for example, approximately 150 to 1, that is a 13 pound anchor will hold approximately 2,000 pounds. A novel anchor of this invention Weighing only 6.5 pounds with a soft sand bottom will hold 2,000 pounds for a 300 to 1 ratio.

The present invention is capable of solving many of the problems posed by anchoring in general as well as many of the problems left unsolved by the prior art anchors. This invention has basically four functional elements or components: (1) primary flukes; (2) secondary flukes; (3) a crown plate and (4) a shank which serves to connect the anchor to the line attached to the watercraft.

More particularly the present invention contemplates a pair of generally right triangular primary flukes, and in the embodiment shown, four secondary flukes, one on each side of the primary flukes. The crown plate contains a socket located between the primary flukes adapted to receive a shank.

The functions, advantages, and relationships of each of the components of this anchor can best be considered by a discussion of each individually.

The primary flukes are more widely spaced from each other than is usually the case. This wide spacing provides a larger bite than that obtained by any prior art anchor. In fact, the configuration and spacing of the primary flukes as taught by this invention increases the available holding surface area of the primary flukes of this anchor by more than 50 percent for the same fluke length of a prior anchor. It is this greater holding area in combination with the other elements of this invention which enable it to attain the anchor-holding weight ratios noted above. The spacing of these flukes also is effective in the prevention of fouling because small rocks and snags can pass between the flukes. Further, for secure holding power, on for example, a loose mud or sand bottom, the primary flukes of the instant invention allow a compression and compaction of loose particles between the flukes and the crown plate as the flukes penetrate the bottom. This action is caused by the converging shape of the flukes which direct the dirt or mud particles toward the crown plate.

The crown plate from which the flukes extend has holes which allow water to flow through the anchor to deposit bottom mud or sand at the intersection of the crown plate and primary flukes. This phenomenon continues until a compressed and compacted mass of bottom material builds up against the crown plate thus giving a solid holding media. The presence of the holes in the crown plate hastens this compression and compaction process and thereby provides a quicker holding action.

The secondary flukes are positioned on each side of the two primary flukes at a slight angle to the crown plate. This location enables them to replace the stabilizing bar of the prior art devices and prevent the anchor from resting sideways on the bottom.

The position and size of the secondary flukes and the weight distribution of the anchor insures that when dropped overboard, the water rushing past the anchor will act to create a straight down or vertical force on the entire anchor causing it to hit the bottom surface in a generally upright position, on the back of the crown plate.

After attaining this upright position, the secondary flukes will, after any slack has been removed from the anchor line, act as fulcrums to direct the primary flukes down, thereby causing them to penetrate the underwater surface. The angle of penetration of the primary flukes is also controlled by the secondary flukes. Because of the shape and angle at which the secondary flukes are set they increase the depth or degree of penetration of the primary fiukes as the load on the anchor increases.

The secondary flukes are also important for the efiicient breaking out of this anchor. To raise the anchor in a relatively soft bottom, a pull is exerted on the line and shank. This upward force causes the secondary flukes to act as fulcrums or pivot points to loosen the anchor and thereby to help release the primary flukes from the bottom surface. The anchor is thus effectively and quickly broken out of its holding position.

In a bottom surface of closely compacted rock or heavy material it is often impossible for the primary flukes to dig in far enough to take hold. With the present invention, however, the smaller secondary flukes provide additional holding points on either side of the anchor such that in rocky underwater surfaces the anchor will take hold, where an anchor having only twin flukes might drag a considerable distance before contacting a crevice or crack large enough to grasp or wedge into.

The crown plate of the present invention, by serving as a foundation for compression and compaction, prevents the anchor from burying itself. It also functions to limit anchor dragging in an extremely soft bottom surface by offering a large Surface area and, therefore, a greater resistance to movement after the anchor has taken hold.

The holes which may be provided in the crown plate not only serve to facilitate compression and compaction at the crown plate, but also cause the anchor to come up clean. As the anchor is being raised Water washes through the holes carrying with it most of the underwater debris which has lodged on the anchor. The rest is removed by an up and down motion which backs water through the holes. In addition these holes or passageways cause the anchor to drop to the bottom quickly because of the decreased resistance of the crown plate.

A further important advantage of this anchor is its lightweight. In the preferred embodiment, the anchor is constructed of either aluminum or a magnesium-aluminum alloy. The use of these materials is possible because of the design which insures that the reduction in weight resulting from their use will not decrease the holding power of the anchor. Due to the unique combination, spacing, and interrelationships between the elements of the anchor, the holding power is actually much greater than that achieved by the prior art device. This desired effect is only amplified by the use of the preferred metals.

For example, the ratio of anchor weight to holding weight of the prior art devices is about 150 to 1 in soft sand. The same ratio for an anchor of this invention is approximately 300 to 1. Therefore, an anchor constructed according to the principles of this invention weighing 6.5 pounds will hold approximately 2,000 pounds in soft sand while a prior art anchor for holding 2,000 pounds weighs at least 13 pounds. This comparison as applied to an underwater surface of mud is also striking. A 6.5 pound anchor of the invention will hold 720 pounds whereas a prior art device must weigh at least 13 pounds to hold an equal weight.

It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide a lightweight, fast holding and break out anchor which embodies in combination: a pair of primary flukes, a plurality of smaller secondary flukes, a crown plate and shank.

It is an object of my invention to provide an anchor having greater holding weight potential per pound of anchor than heretofore discovered.

It is a further object of my invention to provide an anchor having secondary flukes which act as fulcrums upon which the primary flukes and crown plate can pivot to loosen the bottom for easier break out.

Still further, it is an object of my invention to provide an anchor easily cleaned by the flow of water through holes in the crown plate.

Other and more specific objects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description to follow.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is 'a perspective view;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view;

FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal section along line 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partial longitudinal section along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

In the drawings, FIGS. l and 2 show primary flukes I projecting from crown plate 30. In the embodiment shown primary flukes 10 are shown as generally right triangular in configuration. It is however understood that primary flukes 10 could be simply triangular in shape or possibly another configuration having an apex at the point farthest from the crown plate 30.

Outside edges 12 of flukes 10 project away from crown plate 30 in a generally perpendicular manner until they intersect inner or inside edges 11 projecting angularly 4 away from crown plate 30. Inner edges -11 function most effectively if they arcuately converge toward crown plate 30. 1

The sides of flukes 10 have ribs 13 which serve to guide and facilitate penetration of flukes 10 into the bottom in a straight line rather than at an angle. Assurance of fast and efiicient holding as well as additional stiffness and support for flukes 10 are therefore provided by ribs 13.

On either side of flukes 10 are secondary flukes 20 also projecting from crown plate 30, As shown in the preferred embodiment secondary flukes 20 are triangular in configuration. It is understood that secondary flukes'20 may be of any configuration so long as they have a point or apex at the farthest point from crown plate 30.

The outside faces 22 of the triangularly shaped secondary flukes 20 are flat to avoid tangling or fouling at the bottom. On the inside faces of secondary fiukes 20 are supporting ribs 21. Supporting ribs 21 originate at the point or apex of secondary flukes 20 and proceed in a converging manner toward crown plate 30. These supporting ribs 21 converge and fiow into the base portion of primary flukes 10 and crown plate 30. Ribs 21 facilitate holding and add strength to the entire anchor.

Disposed between the converging edges 11 of primary flukes 10 is a socket 25 adapted to retain a shank 33. Socket 25 has walls or sides 26 adapted to allow shank 33 to move only in a plane midway between edges 11 of primary flukes 10. Further, walls 26 of socket 25 project away from crown plate 30 to a point on the side of shank 33 where movement of shank 33 is restricted to an angle of not more than as best shown in FIG. 3. This 45 angle is measured at the point between the socket end of shank 33 and the base portion of primary fluke 10.

Shank 33 is a generally elongated bar having an eye 34 or other means in its end opposite crown plate 30 for tying a line which is attached to the watercraft. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 shank 33 is prevented from moving out of shank 25 and toward primary flukes 10 by its bulbous or ball-like end 35. Shank 33 is prevented from moving out of socket 25 in the opposite direction by pin 36 therethrough which rests on sides 26 of socket 25.

Crown plate 30 may be of a rectangular, circular or other configuration. A configuration of a generally rectangula-r shape is shown in the drawings and is preferred because it enables secondary flukes 20 to be positioned at the corners of said rectangle, therefore providing better balance. Crown plate 30 has holes or passageways 31 extending therethrough to permit a fast dropping to the bottom as well as a washing action as the anchor is raised from the bottom. Further, water passing through these passageways as the anchor lies on the bottom, provides for compression and compaction of dirt particles and debris.

In operation, the anchor is dropped into the water and settles to the bottom in an upright position with crown plate 30 resting on the bottom. Drifting of the watercraft then pivots shank 33 in socket 25 which in turn causes the anchor to tip to one side. The anchor then pivots on secondary flukes 20 which guide primary flukes 10 to a contact position with the bottom. Tension or load then placed on the line attached to shank 33 will force primary flukes 10 and secondary flukes 20 into the bottom. Lying in this horizontal position on the bottom, Water passes through passageways 31 of crown plate 30 carrying dirt, debris, sand or other elements found at the underwater surface. This dirt or debris is deposited on the fiuked side of crown plate 30 and is compacted and compressed due to the straining action of the water passing through it. This compression or compaction action adds to the holding power of the anchor.

When the watercraft owner desires to move his craft, he exerts a vertical pull on the line attached by the means of eye 34 to shank 33. This in turn places a vertical upward force on the anchor. Depending on the direction from which the force is exerted either one set of secondary flukes 20 or the other pivots and releases primary flukes from their holding position in the bottom. Upon raising the anchor, for instance, by hand over hand pulling in of the line water passes back and forth through passageways 31 thereby effectively washing the entire anchor and removing vegetation, dirt, mud, muck and the like which may have collected on the anchor.

For ease of description the principles of the invention have been set forth in connection with but a single illustrated embodiment showing my anchor. It is not my intention that the illustrated embodiment nor the terminologyemployed in describing it be limiting inasmuch as variations in these may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Rather, I desire to be restricted only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A rigid one-piece marine anchor cast from a lightweight metallic alloy comprising:

a crown plate having opposite faces,

a pair of adjacent primary flukes having side faces of a generally triangular configuration,

each of said flukes having a base lying along one of said faces of said crown plate,

each of said flukes further having side edges converging in a direction away from said one face of said plate,

said bases being in generally end-to-end alignment,

a plurality of smaller secondary flukes having side faces of a configuration which includes an apex disposed to project away from said one face of said plate at locations on opposite side faces of said primary flukes,

said crown plate extending substantially the width of said anchor and terminating at the outermost side edges of said primary flukes,

said crown plate further extending laterally from opposite side faces of said primary flukes to a point at least half the distance between said primary flukes and said side faces of said secondary flukes,

said crown plate further including passageways extending therethrough,

said passageways being spaced from each other and said primary and secondary flukes,

and means for attaching a line to said crown plate between said converging side edges of said primary flukes.

2. The marine anchor of claim 1 in which:

the innermost side edge of each of said primary flukes defines an angle with said base less than the angle defined by the outermost side edges of said flukes and said base.

3. The marine anchor of claim 1 in which:

said primary flukes have a generally right triangular configuration and adjacent innermost side edges of said primary flukes arcuately converge toward said plate.

4. The marine anchor of claim 1 in which:

said side faces of said secondary flukes have a generally triangular configuration.

5. The marine anchor of claim 1 in which:

the outwardly facing side faces of said secondary flukes are substantially fiat and the inwardly facing side faces have supporting ribs extending from said apex of said faces toward said plate and converging with said plate and one of said primary flukes.

6. The marine anchor of claim 1 in which:

said crown plate is substantially rectangular in shape.

7. The marine anchor of claim 1 in which:

said means for attaching a line to said plate comprises a socket in said plate adapted to receive an elongated shank,

said shank having an opening at the end thereof opposite said socket,

said opening being adapted to receive a line attached to the watercraft or other structure desired to be anchored.

8. The marine anchor of claim 7 in which the sides of said socket project from said plate to a point on said shank whereby the movement of said shank is limited to an angle of approximately 45 from the plane of said primary set of flukes so that a pull placed on said line will cause said anchor to pivot and tip whereby said secondary and primary flukes will pivot out of the anchoring surface.

9. The marine anchor of claim 1 in which all of the elements are of an alloy of aluminum.

10. The marine anchor of claim 1 in which:

at least one of said sides of said primary flukes has a plurality of supporting ribs extending from said bases toward the side edges of said primary flukes.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,239,557 9/1917 Beebe 114--208 1,327,201 1/1920 Eells 114-208 3,182,624 5/1965 Winslow 114208 MILTON BUCHLER, Primary Examiner.

T. M. BLIX, Assistant Examiner. 

